McCarthy Extends Eagles Contract

26 September 2014

Long-serving Eagles defender Paddy McCarthy has signed a one-year contract extension with the club, tying him to Palace until the end of next season.

The 31-year-old has made 150 appearances during his six years at Selhurst Park, and has battled back from a troublesome groin injury to force his way into Neil Warnock's 25-man Premier League squad for the current campaign.

McCarthy, who has made two Capital One Cup outings this season, was delighted to put pen to paper on his new deal, “I'm delighted, it gives me a bit of security and allows me to remain settled at the club. I've worked my socks off over the past couple of years to get back fit and I'm really pleased to be out on the pitch in amongst the action."

The move to give him a new deal allows Paddy the chance to work alongside Neil Warnock once again, who he enjoyed playing under during the last time the Eagles gaffer's last spell at the club. As McCarthy expected, nothing has changed.

“He's the same old gaffer that left last time,” he said. “Obviously since the last time he was here he's had the added experience in the Premier League at QPR but I don't think he's changed. The way he's been throughout his career has obviously worked and I don't think he'll ever be any different, he's the same old manager that left here a few years ago but he's back and straight into business.”

The Irishman arrived in SE25 in 2008 from local rivals Charlton Athletic, and played a major role in helping the club survive in the Championship in the 2009/10 season, playing a pivitol role in the final-day draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

He has also represented Boston United, Notts County and Leicester City during his playing career, as well as representing the Republic of Ireland at B level.